Ecobreves – CUBA: Zeolites Increase Agricultural Yields

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HAVANA, Aug 15 2011 (IPS) - The use of natural zeolites in agriculture increases crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts, new Cuban research has found. The use of this naturally occurring mineral mixed with urea on tomato plantations contributed to doubling their yield in terms of both the number of tomatoes and their weight, said Rolando Gil of the Chemical Industry Research Center. Significant results were also observed in rice crops, he added.

Marta Velázquez of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry Research Center told Tierramérica that due to their low cost and means of application, the widespread use of zeolites in agriculture would be highly profitable, since they improve soils and boost the effectiveness of chemical and organic fertilizers.

Zeolites are also used for water purification, among various other uses. There are numerous zeolite reserves in Cuba.